An Overview of Little League Rules and Structure

 

Little League
Image: littleleague.org

Robert Mehnert has served the Township of Teaneck, New Jersey, as police sergeant for nearly 24 years. Robert Mehnert enjoys giving back to the town in as many ways as possible, engaging with local organizations like the Knights of Columbus and managing the town’s Little League.

Local Little Leagues manage their own rules and regulations, while at the same time adhering to strictures established by the national organization. For example, only players from within the local league’s territory can be signed up for league play, a rule that applies to all leagues; there are uniform regulations for non-player personnel as well. Little League encourages leagues to reach out to coaches, team managers, umpires, and field workers in a volunteer capacity. Volunteers should be concerned first and foremost with establishing a fun, educational environment for the players.

All Little Leagues are overseen by a board of directors consisting of between five and 25 adults. With more than 6,500 Little League programs in approximately 90 countries around the world, the Little League charter establishes steps guiding directors and league managers through a number of complex situations, including league elections, league and team structures, and much more. To learn more about Little League parameters and structures, please visit www.littleleague.org.

Three Fun Baseball Drills for Young Players

Baseball Drills
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Robert Mehnert is a Township of Teaneck police sergeant with over 20 years of experience. Outside of his work responsibilities, Robert Mehnert is a little league baseball coach.

Baseball practice doesn’t always have to be tedious or boring. Below are three drills designed to better engage young players while also improving their skills.

1. Two ball toss – Played with five to nine players, this pre-game practice drill assists with team chemistry and can improve players’ hand-eye coordination. Players must form a circle and, while stationary and without a glove, throw and catch two balls around the circle.

2. Target bunting – In this bunting drill, three hula hoops are placed in different locations in front of home plate. A coach pitches the ball and calls out a hula hoop to the player at bat, who then has to direct the ball into said hula hoop. Points can be awarded for each target hit.

3. Relay base running – This drill primarily improves players’ base-running skills, but also includes a ball handling element. The team is divided into two groups, one of which starts at home plate while the other starts at second base. The players at the front of each line carry a ball and, at the sound of a whistle, begin rounding the bases. Once a player rounds the bases, he or she hands over the ball to the next player in line.